Rep. Larry Miller (R-122) along with Republican Legislative Leaders today unveiled a no-tax increase budget proposal.
“The budget we are offering today preserves school funding, municipal aid and restores the $500 property tax credit and sales tax exempt week,” said Rep. Larry Miller. “Most importantly it doesn’t raise taxes. The people of Connecticut are already paying the highest taxes in the nation. They have been loud and clear about the fact that they can’t afford the governor’s tax increases. There is a better way to solve this $3.5 billion deficit and i think we have shown the way.”The Republican budget is an alternative plan to Governor Malloy’s $1.9 billion tax increase. With a focus on core government functions, republicans have drafted a proposal for Fiscal Years 2012 and 2013 that establishes a right-sized state government while preserving aid to citizens, cities and towns.
Highlights of the Republican Alternative Budget include:
- No new taxes on any business, individual, employer, service or good.
- More than $1.5 billion in spending cuts from Gov. Malloy’s plan.
- Preservation of municipal aid at current levels for all towns and cities.
- Enhanced Medicaid fraud detection to save an estimated $224 million.
- More than $46 million in savings through agency consolidations.
- Streamlining government through attrition and reductions to the 54,000 member state workforce.
- No borrowing for state operating expenses.
- Full restoration of the $500 property tax credit cut by Gov. Malloy.
- The pre-payment of $200 million in the state’s highest cost debt, allowing greater flexibility in budgeting throughout state agencies.
- Restoration of the sales tax free week to help Connecticut consumers support household budgets.
- Elimination of longevity payments for state employees.
Of the proposed reductions in state-funded positions, 1,250 would be targeted toward management. The Bipartisan Commission on Enhanced Agency Outcomes recommended that Connecticut cut in half the number of managers to come in line with the private sector.
